My cousin’s son committed the sin of zina (unlawful sexual intercourse), and he is living with his wife in my aunt’s house with her permission, and he has a child.

The questioner : Shaykh, I have an aunt who, by what Allah wills for me—(Mighty and Majestic)—has a son, and may Allah protect us, who committed zina (unlawful sexual intercourse). The court married them, and his wife gave birth to a child, and my aunt took him in to her house. So, we cut off ties with her because of this action she took with her son. Are we wrong in that?

The Shaykh : You did not clarify what she did. You are accusing her son of zina (unlawful sexual intercourse), and she took in the child of zina.

The questioner : Yes.

The Shaykh : This is not sufficient to define the question so that we can give you the answer. Did she approve of what her son did?

The questioner: Yes.

The Shaykh : This is how you should say it: Did she approve of what her son did and not disapprove of it?

The questioner : And she did not disapprove.

The Shaykh : And you mean, are you certain of what you are saying?

The questioner: Yes.

The Shaykh : It is not permissible for you to help her.

The questioner : I say, Shaykh, we cut off ties with her, meaning by not visiting her after this action of hers.

The Shaykh : Your statement is correct. It comes to my mind that when you were in contact with her, you were also doing good to her. So, if you cut off ties with her, then you did well.

The questioner : Are we right in that?

The Shaykh : Then you did well. Yes, this is cutting off ties for the sake of Allah. However, if she was disapproving of the matter and took in the child, then that is something for which she should be thanked. But if she was not disapproving of what her son did, then cutting off ties is appropriate and in its proper place.

The questioner : May Allah reward you.